Ingredient Spotlight
Hawthorn Berry/Shan Zha
Why We Love It
Hawthorn is a powerful Qi-mover, encouraging digestion, blood circulation, and emotional ease.
Helps with:
How it Heals
In Chinese medicine, Hawthorn Berry, or Shan Zha is a primary herb used to relieve what we call food stagnation, a stuck feeling after overeating or indulging in rich foods. It is specifically helpful after consuming excess protein and fats. Not only a digestive herb, Hawthorn Berry promotes circulation and dilates heart vessels to improve blood flow and alleviate stagnation. It is also said to have a secondary effect of causing a sense of calmness and harmony.
In Western medicine, Hawthorn Berry aids in digestion by encouraging bile production. It is also anti inflammatory, lowers blood pressure, regulates lipid levels, and dilates heart vessels to promote circulation. It is rich in amino acids, vitamin C and beta-carotene, B vitamins, manganese, calcium, iron and dietary fiber.
Fun Fact: Hawthorn Berry was mentioned in the world’s first known pharmacopeia text Tang Materia Medica (Tang Ben Cao) in 659 AD, and was cited for treating dysentery.
How we use it
"Across the global traditions, the lore of Hawthorn Berry is that it encourages heart opening and social connection. Pass around after dinner as a digestif, and you may find yourselves lingering around the table deep in conversation.!"
- Megan MacLaggen, Elix Health Coach
What the research says
Have a question or want to learn more?
Contact us at: ingredients@elixhealing.com
Feel the difference for yourself
Your cycle is unique, and the only way to know if Elix will work for you is to try your personalized blend. We’re here to listen to your body, adjust your treatment as needed, and guarantee an improvement in symptoms—or your money back.